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My Doctor Says my Labs are “Normal” But I Still Don’t Feel Well

Ever get a call from your doctor telling you your lab results were “normal”, only to be left wondering, “then why do I still feel so bad?” You’re not alone. It’s time for you to get some answers.

The truth is “normal ranges” or “reference ranges” on blood work and other diagnostics are based on the average values for an unhealthy population. The low-ends and high-ends of “normal” range include values from patients that are suffering from disease processes themselves. This is all fine and dandy if you want to be in “average” health. But if you are striving to feel better and get some answers about why you feel how you feel, then read on.

Your lab values may be in “normal range”, average for the general population, but outside of your optimum range, the range where you need them to truly be healthy. Returning your metabolism and chemistry to OPTIMUM rather than AVERAGE can make all the difference in how you feel and function on a day-to-day basis. Dr. Engelbart is trained to find not only what is out-of-range, but also to analyze areas that could indicate that you are not functioning at YOUR optimum. Many times she is able to help by targeting a solution before the full severity of a problem manifests — one of the many benefits of working with a doctor who practices functional medicine, like Dr. Engelbart does.

Another issue many people encounter is that their doctor will only run a few screening tests. If these screening tests are in “normal” range, you are deemed healthy, despite your symptoms, and sent on your way. For example, instead of doing a complete thyroid panel, the doctor may only check your Thyroid Stimulating Hormone or TSH. This screening may not uncover how your thyroid is actually functioning. One of the keys to finding the cause of your health problems is getting the right tests ordered.

Finally, even if your lab work shows what is precisely wrong, you may want to explore treatment options that help you get to the CAUSE of the problem, rather than simply taking medications that cover up the symptoms while the underlying problem becomes worse and worse over time, and the side-effects of your medications keep mounting. A custom made, tailored-to-you nutrition and supplement plan might be just what you need for your body to actually heal, and Dr. Engelbart can help you with that.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have the RIGHT blood work and diagnostic tests ordered and analyzed by a doctor who can tell you if you are not just in “normal” (average) range, but if your labs and diagnostics are in a HEALTHY, OPTIMUM, FUNCTIONAL range? And if they are not, wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a CUSTOMIZED plan designed for you, that takes the guess work out of what supplements you should be spending your money on, to help you get to YOUR OPTIMUM HEALTH? Dr. Engelbart is passionate about doing exactly this. And she can do it for you.

Here’s an example: Ellen (not her real name) contacted Dr. Engelbart’s with symptoms of fatigue, inability to lose weight, overall joint pain, and depression. She had been on thyroid medication for years, and her thyroid hormone levels had been in “normal” range since her doctor increased her medication six months before. But she still didn’t feel good. She didn’t feel like she knew she should feel.

When Dr. Engelbart analyzed the very same lab work, she found that while her TSH level was normal, her T3 Uptake level was below the functional range (although still read by her other doctor as “normal”). Dr. Engelbart ordered a few more labs, and found that Ellen’s thyroid condition was caused by too much estrogen in her system. No amount of synthetic thyroid hormone was going to rectify the cause of that problem. Dr. Engelbart gave Ellen instructions on how to modify her diet and customized a customized treatment plan to help rebalance her hormones.

Today, Ellen is 20 lbs. slimmer, does not need to rely on prescription thyroid medication at all, and is energetic and motivated to do her favorite things once again.

This is just one example of what can be done when labs are read in functional range instead of “normal” range, and what can happen when a doctor takes the time to do a thorough job for you. There are many more real-life examples of patients that Dr. Engelbart has helped with symptoms like yours:

Fatigue

Difficulty managing stress

Difficulty sleeping

Weight gain

Low mood

Low sex drive

Hormone imbalances

Pain

Inflammation

Frequent or chronic infections

Autoimmunity

Cholesterol problems

Blood sugar imbalances

Are you tired of being told your labs are “normal” even though you STILL don’t feel well? Are you wondering if there’s a better treatment option for you? It’s time to CONTACT US today!

About Dr. Natalie J. Engelbart

Dr. Engelbart is passionate about finding solutions to your hormone and health problems–not only WHAT is wrong, but also WHY, and what can be done to help you reach your peak health.

Dr. Engelbart holds several advanced and accredited multidisciplinary degrees. She is a Doctor of Chiropractic with a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology, multiple Board Certifications in Neurology, and three multi-disciplinary Fellowships in Functional Medicine through the American College of Functional Neurology.

After being in private practice in the Dallas, TX area for 15 years and training multiple doctors in her specialty, she and her family moved to Boulder, Colorado in 2012. Dr. Engelbart has studied and trained in Amsterdam, Paris, Norway and throughout the United States. She loves learning and continually strives to stay up-to-date with the latest research and clinical applications.

Dr. Engelbart is able to help patients all over the United Sates! Visit Dr. Engelbart at South Boulder Healing & Chiropractic Services in beautiful Boulder, Colorado, or CONTACT US to set up a phone, Skype or FaceTime Consultation.